Definition

A chemical reaction that changes a compound, particularly an alkene, into an epoxide, which is a type of cyclic ether.

Example

The process of epoxidation is important in organic chemistry for creating epoxides from alkenes.

Conversation

I was reading about epoxidation in my chemistry book today.

Oh really? What did it say about it?

It explained how it converts alkenes into epoxides, which I found fascinating.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know that was a part of organic chemistry.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epoxidation is formed from "epoxy" (from Greek "epi-" meaning upon and "oxy" meaning sharp or acid) and "-ation" (meaning the process of). The term refers to the process of forming an epoxide, which is a cyclic ether with a three-membered ring structure, typically involving the addition of an oxygen atom to a double bond.

Memory Tip

Think of 'upon' ('epi-') and 'sharp' ('oxy') to remember that epoxidation is the process of adding a sharp, reactive oxygen to a compound.

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